Antenna for wireless communication and electronic device including the same

ABSTRACT

An electronic device is provided, which includes a housing; a conductive member forming at least a part of the housing; first to third nonconductive members separating the conductive member, wherein the conductive member includes a first conductive pattern disposed between the first nonconductive member and the second nonconductive member, and a second conductive pattern disposed between the second nonconductive member and the third nonconductive member; a first feeding part connected to the first conductive pattern; a second feeding part connected to the second conductive pattern; a first ground part connected to the first conductive pattern at a point adjacent to the second nonconductive member; and a communication circuit electrically connected with the conductive member.

PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/871,492, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 11,2020 as a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/698,187, filedwith the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Sep. 7, 2017 and issued onMay 12, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,651,542, with a claim of priority under35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application Serial No.10-2016-0114921, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual PropertyOffice on Sep. 7, 2016, the entire disclosure of each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to an antenna that performswireless communication with an external device and an electronic deviceincluding the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electronic device such as a smartphone, a tablet personal computer(PC), etc., may transmit and receive various data to and from anexternal device. The electronic device may perform long distancecommunication (e.g., mobile communication such as a voice call orwireless data communication), short range communication (e.g., Bluetoothcommunication or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication), and/orultra-short range communication (e.g., wireless payment, wirelesscharging, or near field communication (NFC)).

Generally, a part (e.g., a side surface or a rear surface) of an outerhousing of an electronic device is implemented using a metal frame,which may be used as a radiator of an antenna for wirelesscommunication. The metal frame may be separated by using a segmentformed by an insulating material (e.g., plastic) at portion thereof,thereby forming an electrical length for wireless communication.

A conventional electronic device may include a plurality of multi-bandantennas to simultaneously transmit and receive signals of variousbands, such as three-carrier aggregation (3CA), 4Rx, 2Tx, etc., (or tooperate in a dual standby state). However, it is difficult to mount aplurality of antennas due to a limitation of mounting space in theelectronic device.

Additionally, when a plurality of antennas are mounted in a limitedspace, communication performance may decrease due to mutualinterference.

Also, when a user grips the electronic device or places his/her headnear an antenna for calling, electromagnetic waves, which may be harmfulto the user, are generated due to an increase in a specific absorptionrate (SAR).

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure is made to address at least theabove-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at leastthe advantages described below.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide anelectronic device including a plurality of multi-band antennas by usingconductive patterns separated through a plurality of nonconductivemembers.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronicdevice that allows a plurality of multi-band antennas to transmit andreceive a signal of the same frequency band.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronicdevice that simultaneously transmits and receives signals of differentfrequency bands through switching or operates in a dual standby state.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronicdevice that prevents communication performance degradation due tocontact with a user.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice is provided, which includes a housing; a conductive memberforming at least a part of the housing; first to third nonconductivemembers separating the conductive member, wherein the conductive memberincludes a first conductive pattern disposed between the firstnonconductive member and the second nonconductive member, and a secondconductive pattern disposed between the second nonconductive member andthe third nonconductive member; a first feeding part connected to thefirst conductive pattern; a second feeding part connected to the secondconductive pattern; a first ground part connected to the firstconductive pattern at a point adjacent to the second nonconductivemember; and a communication circuit electrically connected with theconductive member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, anelectronic device is provided, which includes a display; a housingincluding a first surface including the display, a second surfaceopposite to the first surface, and a side surface disposed between thefirst surface and the second surface; a first communication circuit; anda second communication circuit. The side surface includes a firstconductive pattern, a second conductive pattern, a first nonconductivemember, a second nonconductive member, and a third nonconductive member.The first conductive pattern is disposed between the first nonconductivemember and the second nonconductive member. The second conductivepattern is disposed between the second nonconductive member and thethird nonconductive member. The first conductive pattern is connected tothe first communication circuit through a first feeding part. The secondconductive pattern is connected to the second communication circuitthrough a second feeding part. The second conductive pattern isconnected with a ground part at a point spaced apart from the secondnonconductive member by a preset distance for isolation of the firstconductive pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrates a plurality of multi-band antennas formed byusing a metal frame of an electronic device according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a graph illustrating radiation efficiency of a first antennaand a second antenna before and after switching according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a graph illustrating a reflection coefficient of the firstantenna and the second antenna before and after switching according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a graph illustrating a radiation efficiency change of anantenna according to a short or open state of a second nonconductivemember according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a graph illustrating a reflection coefficient change of anantenna according to a short or open state of the second nonconductivemember according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a change in a radiation characteristic during usercontact with an electronic device, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a structure for changing a resonant frequency througha change in a matching value, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates first and second antennas having the same or similarpatterns, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a radiation efficiency of the firstantenna and the second antenna of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 9A illustrates changes in radiation characteristics during usercontact with an electronic device, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9B illustrates coverage changes due to a simultaneous operation offirst and second antennas according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a first antenna and a second antenna beingcontrolled using a switching structure, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a shape in which a plurality of multi-bandfrequencies are implemented in a first direction and a second directionof an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates an electronic device in a network environmentaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly,those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modifications,equivalents, and/or alternatives of the various embodiments describedherein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure.

With regard to description of drawings, similar components may beidentified by similar reference numerals.

The terms and expressions in this disclosure are used to describespecified embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure. Terms of a singular form may include plural formsunless otherwise specified.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all of the terms, which includetechnical or scientific terms, may have the same meanings that aregenerally understood by a person skilled in the art. Terms that aredefined in a dictionary and commonly used, should also be interpreted asis customary in the relevant related art and not in idealized or overlyformal ways, unless expressly defined as such herein. However, even ifterms are defined in the specification, they may not be interpreted toexclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

Herein, the expressions “have”, “may have”, “include”, “comprise”, “mayinclude”, and “may comprise” indicate the existence of correspondingfeatures (e.g., elements such as numeric values, functions, operations,and/or components) but do not exclude the presence of additionalfeatures.

The expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A or/and B”, “one or more ofA or/and B”, etc., may include any and all combinations of one or moreof the associated listed items. For example, “A or B”, “at least one ofA and B”, or “at least one of A or B” may refer to (1) where at leastone A is included, (2) where at least one B is included, or (3) whereboth of at least one A and at least one B are included.

The terms, such as “first”, “second”, etc., may refer to variouselements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, but do notlimit the elements. For example, such terms may be used to distinguishone element from another element, but do not limit the order and/orpriority of the elements. Accordingly, a first user device and a seconduser device may represent different user devices, irrespective ofsequence or importance. Therefore, without departing the scope of thepresent disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a secondelement, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a firstelement.

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being“(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” or “connected to”another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may bedirectly coupled with/to or connected to the second element or anintervening element (e.g., a third element) may be present therebetween.However, when the first element is referred to as being “directlycoupled with/to” or “directly connected to” the second element, thereare no intervening elements therebetween.

According to context, the expression “configured to” may be interpretedas “suitable for”, “having the capacity to”, “designed to”, “adaptedto”, “made to”, or “capable of”. The term “configured to (or set to)”does not necessarily mean “specifically designed to” in hardware.Instead, “a device configured to” may indicate that the device is“capable of” operating together with another device or other components.

A “processor configured to (or set to) perform A, B, and C” may mean adedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing acorresponding operation or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), which mayperform corresponding operations by executing one or more softwareprograms that are stored in a memory device.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may include a smartphone, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, avideo telephone, an electronic book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, anetbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobilemedical device, a camera, and a wearable device. A wearable device mayinclude an accessory type device (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, anankle bracelet, glasses, a contact lens, or a head-mounted device(HMD)), cloth-integrated type device (e.g., electronic clothes), abody-attached type device (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or animplantable type device (e.g., an implantable circuit).

An electronic device may also be a home appliance, such as a digitalvideo disk (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an airconditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, anair cleaner, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a securitycontrol panel, a television (TV) box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, AppleTV™, or Google TV™), a game console (e.g., Xbox™ or PlayStation™), anelectronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, or an electronicpanel.

An electronic device may include a medical device (e.g., a portablemedical measurement device, such as a blood glucose meter, a heart ratemeasuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, or a bodytemperature measuring device), a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)device, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography(CT) device, a photographing device, and an ultrasonic device), anavigation system, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), an eventdata recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), a vehicularinfotainment device, an electronic device for a vessel (e.g., anavigation device for a vessel and a gyro compass), an avionics device,a security device, a vehicular head unit, an industrial or home robot,an automatic teller machine (ATM), a point of sales (POS) device, or anInternet of things (IoT) device (e.g., a light bulb, a sensor, anelectricity or gas meter, a spring cooler device, a fire alarm device, athermostat, an electric pole, a toaster, a sporting apparatus, a hotwater tank, a heater, and a boiler).

An electronic device may also include at least one of furniture, a partof a building/structure, an electronic board, an electronic signaturereceiving device, a projector, or a measurement device (e.g., a waterservice, electricity, gas, or electric wave measuring device).

An electronic device may also be a flexible electronic device.

An electronic device may also be a combination of the aforementioneddevices.

Further, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices, but may includenew electronic devices produced due to the development of newtechnologies.

Herein, the term “user” may refer to a person who uses an electronicdevice or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligenceelectronic device) that uses the electronic device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 101, e.g., a smartphone or atablet PC, may transmit and receive data to and from an external devicethrough various communication schemes, such as long distancecommunication (e.g., mobile communication such as voice communication orwireless data communication), short range communication (e.g., Bluetoothcommunication or Wi-Fi communication), or an ultra-short rangecommunication (e.g., wireless payment, wireless charging, or NFCcommunication). Accordingly, the electronic device 101 may includevarious antennas for executing the communication schemes.

The electronic device 101 may include a plurality of antennas capable oftransmitting and receiving a multi-band frequency signal. Frequencybands of the antennas may be the same as or different from each other.For example, a first antenna may transmit and receive frequency signalsof a high band and a middle band, and a second antenna may transmit andreceive frequency signals of the middle band and a low band.

Alternatively, the first antenna and the second antenna may all transmitand receive a signal of the high/middle/low band and may have differentoperating characteristics. In this case, the first antenna and thesecond antenna may be designed to correspond to a wide-band frequencysignal through complementing each other.

The electronic device 101 includes a display 110 and a housing (or body)120. The display 110 may output a variety of content (e.g., a text or animage). The display 110 may receive an input of a user through a touchinput.

The display 110 and buttons (e.g., a home button, a volume button, etc.)are mounted on the housing 120, and a processor for driving theelectronic device 101, a module, a sensor, an antenna, a circuit board,etc., may be mounted in the housing 120. The housing 120 may protect thedisplay 110, the internal circuits, etc. The housing 120 includes afirst surface on which the display 110 is disposed, a second surfacefacing the first surface, and side surfaces disposed between the firstsurface and the second surface.

The housing 120 includes a conductive member (e.g., a metal frame) 150.The conductive member 150 may be connected with a feeding part, a groundpart, etc., in order to be used as part (e.g., a radiator) of an antennacapable of transmitting and receiving a wireless signal to and from anexternal device. The conductive member 150 may be connected with a board(e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) and a circuit (e.g., acommunication circuit) within the housing 120.

Although the conductive member 150 surrounds a side area of theelectronic device 101 in FIG. 1, the present disclosure is not to belimited thereto. For example, at least a part of the conductive member150 may be disposed on a front surface (a surface on which the display110 is disposed) or a rear surface (a surface on which a rear cover isdisposed) of the electronic device 101.

The conductive member 150 may include a plurality of conductive patternsthat are separated through a plurality of nonconductive members.Although the conductive member 150 is segmented into first to fourthconductive patterns 151 to 154 by first to third nonconductive members161 to 163 in FIG. 1, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first to third nonconductive members 161 to 163 are disposed betweenthe first to fourth conductive patterns 151 to 154. The nonconductivemembers 161 to 163 extend in a direction perpendicular to the frontsurface (the surface on which the display 110 is disposed) or the rearsurface of the electronic device 101.

The first conductive pattern 151 to the fourth conductive pattern 154may operate as a radiator of an antenna for wireless communication. Thefirst conductive pattern 151 to the fourth conductive pattern 154 mayform a plurality of multi-band antennas. For example, the firstconductive pattern 151 and the third conductive pattern 153 may form afirst antenna that transmits and receives a signal of a first frequencyband, and the second conductive pattern 152 and the fourth conductivepattern 154 may form a second antenna that transmits and receives asignal of a second frequency band.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a plurality of multi-band antennas formed byusing a metal frame of an electronic device according to an embodimentof the present disclosure. as Although FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate afirst antenna 201 and a second antenna 202 being formed on a lower endof a side surface of the electronic device, the present disclosure isnot to be limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first conductive pattern 151 and thethird conductive pattern 153 form the first antenna 201 and as thesecond conductive pattern 152 and the fourth conductive pattern 154 formthe second antenna 202. However, the present disclosure may not belimited thereto.

Although the first antenna 201 and the second antenna 202 areillustrated as being distinguishable from each other with respect to thesecond nonconductive member 162 in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the presentdisclosure is not to be limited thereto. For example, the second antenna202 may use a conductive pattern between the second nonconductive member162 and a first ground part 221.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the first antenna 201 includes the firstconductive pattern 151, the third conductive pattern 153, a firstfeeding part 210, a first ground part 221, and a second ground part 222.The first antenna 201 may transmit and receive a signal of a specifiedfrequency band to and from an external device by using the firstconductive pattern 151 and the third conductive pattern 153.

The first feeding part 210 may connect the first conductive pattern 151with a communication circuit (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) circuit, anRF module, etc.) capable of transmitting and receiving an RF signal. Thefirst feeding part 210 may be a point to which RF signal for anoperation of the first antenna 201 is supplied. The first feeding part210 may be connected to the first conductive pattern 151 between thefirst nonconductive member 161 and a point to which the first groundpart 221 is connected.

The first ground part 221 may be connected to the first conductivepattern 151. The first ground part 221 may be disposed adjacent to thesecond nonconductive member 162. The first ground part 221 may beconnected to the first conductive pattern 151 within a specified firstdistance range from the second nonconductive member 162.

The second ground part 222 may be connected to the third conductivepattern 153. The second ground part 222 may be disposed adjacent to thefirst nonconductive member 161.

The first antenna 201 may operate as an inverted F antenna (IFA)transmitting and receiving a multi-band signal. For example, the firstantenna 201 may be configured to transmit and receive a signal includedin the low band (e.g., an 800 MHz band) or the middle band (e.g., a 1500MHz band).

The second antenna 202 includes the second conductive pattern 152, thefourth conductive pattern 154, a second feeding part 215, a third groundpart 233, and a fourth ground part 224. The second antenna 202 maytransmit and receive a signal of a specified frequency band to and fromthe external device by using the second conductive pattern 152 and thefourth conductive pattern 154.

The second feeding part 215 may connect the second conductive pattern152 with the communication circuit (e.g., an RF circuit, an RF module,etc.) capable of transmitting and receiving an RF signal. The secondfeeding part 215 may be a point to which RF signal for an operation ofthe second antenna 202 is supplied. The second feeding part 215 may beconnected to the second conductive pattern 152 between the secondnonconductive member 162 and a point to which the third ground part 233is connected. The second feeding part 215 may be connected to the secondconductive pattern 152 within a specified second distance range from thesecond nonconductive member 162.

The third ground part 233 may be connected to the second conductivepattern 152. The third ground part 233 may be disposed adjacent to thethird nonconductive member 163.

The fourth ground part 224 may be connected to the fourth conductivepattern 154. The fourth ground part 224 may be disposed adjacent to thethird nonconductive member 163.

The second antenna 202 may operate as a loop antenna transmitting andreceiving a multi-band signal. For example, the second antenna 202 maybe configured to transmit and receive a signal included in the middleband (e.g., a 1500 MHz band) or the high band (e.g., a 2400 MHz band).

Referring to FIG. 2B, frequency bands of the first antenna 201 and thesecond antenna 202 may be changed or exchanged through switching. Theswitching may be executed through a switching structure connected to thefirst feeding part 210 and the second feeding part 215.

For example, in a pre-switching state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2A), thefirst antenna 201 may be designed to transmit and receive a signalincluded in the low band (e.g., the 800 MHz band) or the middle band(e.g., the 1500 MHz band), and the second antenna 202 may be designed totransmit and receive a signal included in the middle band (e.g., the1500 MHz band) or the high band (e.g., the 2400 MHz band), higher than aband corresponding to the first antenna 201.

If switching is made in the switching circuit, frequency bands of thefirst antenna 201 and the second antenna 202 may be exchanged asillustrated in FIG. 2B. In this case, the first antenna 201 may bedesigned to transmit and receive a signal included in the middle band(e.g., the 1500 MHz band) or the high band (e.g., the 2400 MHz band),and the second antenna 202 may be designed to transmit and receive asignal included in the low band (e.g., the 800 MHz band) or the middleband (e.g., the 1500 MHz band) lower than the corresponding band of thefirst antenna 201.

FIG. 3A is a graph illustrating radiation efficiency of a first antennaand a second antenna before and after switching according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the radiation efficiency graph represents a ratioof power of an electromagnetic wave signal radiated from an antenna topower supplied to the antenna.

In a pre-switching state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2A), the first antenna201 may operate in the form of the graph 310. The first antenna 201 mayoperate as a multi-band antenna, and a radiation efficiency associatedwith a signal of the low band (e.g., the 800 MHz band) may be higherthan a radiation efficiency associated with a signal of the middle band(e.g., the 1500 MHz band) or the high band (e.g., the 2400 MHz band).

In a post-switching state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2B), the firstantenna 201 may operate in the form of a graph 311. In the first antenna201, compared with the pre-switching state, a radiation efficiencyassociated with a signal of the low band (e.g., the 800 MHz band) maydecrease (e.g., from −4 dB to −8 dB), and a radiation efficiencyassociated with a signal of the middle band (e.g., the 1600 MHz band)and a signal of the high band (e.g., the 2400 MHz band) may increase.

In the pre-switching state, the second antenna 202 may operate in theform of a graph 320. The second antenna 202 may also operate as amulti-band antenna, and a radiation efficiency associated with a signalof the middle band (e.g., the 1500 MHz band) or the high band (e.g., the2400 MHz band) may be higher than a radiation efficiency associated witha signal of the low band (e.g., the 800 MHz band).

In the post-switching state, the second antenna 202 may operate in theform of a graph 321. In the second antenna 202, compared with thepre-switching state, a radiation efficiency associated with the middleband (e.g., a 1600 MHz band) and the high band (e.g., a 2400 MHz band)may decrease.

A communication circuit in the electronic device 101 may changecharacteristics of the first antenna 201 and the second antenna 202 bychanging a matching value. The communication circuit may adjust animpedance matching value such that each antenna transmits and receives asignal of a necessary frequency band.

FIG. 3B is a graph illustrating a reflection coefficient of a firstantenna and a second antenna before and after switching according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the reflection coefficient graph represents achange in an input reflection coefficient according to an antennafrequency. As illustrated therein, a signal of the correspondingfrequency band is received more effectively as an input reflectioncoefficient becomes smaller.

In a pre-switching state, the first antenna 201 may operate in the formof a graph 310 a. In a post-switching state, the first antenna 201 mayoperate in the form of a graph 311 a.

In the pre-switching state, the second antenna 202 may operate in theform of a graph 320 a. In the post-switching state, the second antenna202 may operate in the form of a graph 321 a.

FIG. 4A is a graph illustrating a radiation efficiency change of anantenna according to a short or open state of a second nonconductivemember according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the first antenna 201 and the second antenna 202may be distinguishable from each other with respect to the secondnonconductive member 162. A communication circuit (e.g., a communicationprocessor (CP)) in the electronic device 101 may short-circuit or openopposite ends of the second nonconductive member 162 through a separateswitching structure. In this case, a radiation efficiency of eachantenna may change as the opposite ends of the second nonconductivemember 162 are short-circuited or opened.

The first antenna 201 shows a radiation efficiency change of a graph 410while the opposite ends of the second nonconductive member 162 areopened. The first antenna 201 may transmit and receive a signal of about800 MHz band, in the low band.

The first antenna 201 shows a radiation efficiency change of a graph 411while the opposite ends of the second nonconductive member 162 areshort-circuited. After the opposite ends of the second nonconductivemember 162 are short-circuited, the first antenna 201 may transmit andreceive a signal of about 900 MHz band, in the low band.

The second antenna 202 shows a radiation efficiency change of a graph420 while the opposite ends of the second nonconductive member 162 areopened. The second antenna 202 may transmit and receive a signal ofabout 1700 MHz band in the middle band and may transmit and receive asignal of about 2400 MHz band in the high band.

The second antenna 202 shows a radiation efficiency change of a graph421 while the opposite ends of the second nonconductive member 162 areshort-circuited. After the opposite ends of the second nonconductivemember 162 are short-circuited, the second antenna 202 may transmit andreceive a signal of about 2100 MHz band in the middle band and maytransmit and receive a signal of about 2700 MHz band in the high band.

The communication circuit in the electronic device 101 may connect andseparate the opposite ends of the second nonconductive member 162through a separate switching structure such that the first antenna 201and the second antenna 202 operate in various frequency bands. Thecommunication circuit may adjust an impedance matching value such thateach antenna transmits and receives a signal of a necessary frequencyband.

FIG. 4B is a graph illustrating a reflection coefficient change of anantenna according to a short or open state of a second nonconductivemember according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the first antenna 201 and the second antenna 202may be distinguishable from each other with respect to the secondnonconductive member 162. The communication circuit in the electronicdevice 101 may connect or separate opposite ends of the secondnonconductive member 162 through a separate switching structure. In thiscase, a reflection coefficient of each antenna may change as theopposite ends of the second nonconductive member 162 are short-circuitedor opened.

The first antenna 201 shows a reflection coefficient change of a graph410 a while the opposite ends of the second nonconductive member 162 areopened. The first antenna 201 shows a reflection coefficient change of agraph 411 a while the opposite ends of the second nonconductive member162 are short-circuited.

The second antenna 202 shows a reflection coefficient change of a graph420 a while the opposite ends of the second nonconductive member 162 areopened. The second antenna 202 shows a reflection coefficient change ofa graph 421 a while the opposite ends of the second nonconductive member162 are short-circuited.

FIG. 5 illustrates changes in radiation characteristics during usercontact with an electronic device, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, a graph 501 shows a change in radiation efficiencyof the first antenna 201 according to a direction in which the usergrips the electronic device 101, in a pre-switching state (the state ofFIG. 2A).

In the graph 501, before the user grips the electronic device 101, thefirst antenna 201 shows an operating characteristic of the graph 510.The first antenna 201 may transmit and receive a frequency signalincluded in the low band (e.g., the 800 MHz band) or the middle band(e.g., the 1500 MHz band).

When the user grips the electronic device 101 in a first direction(e.g., the user grips the electronic device 101 with his/her righthand), the first antenna 201 shows an operating characteristic of agraph 511. When the user grips the electronic device 101 in a seconddirection (e.g., the user grips the electronic device 101 with his/herleft hand), the first antenna 201 shows an operating characteristic of agraph 512. In graph 512, a portion (e.g., a palm), which has arelatively large area, of a user's body may make contact with a radiatorof the first antenna 201, and thus, a change in a radiationcharacteristic may be relatively greater.

A graph 502 shows a change in radiation efficiency of the second antenna202 according to a direction in which the user grips the electronicdevice 101, in the pre-switching state.

In the graph 502, before the user grips the electronic device 101, thesecond antenna 202 shows an operating characteristic of the graph 520.The second antenna 202 may be designed to transmit and receive a signalincluded in the middle band (e.g., the 1500 MHz band) or the high band(e.g., the 2400 MHz band).

When the user grips the electronic device 101 in a first direction(e.g., the user grips the electronic device 101 with his/her righthand), the second antenna 202 shows an operating characteristic of agraph 521. When the user grips the electronic device 101 in a seconddirection (e.g., the user grips the electronic device 101 with his/herleft hand), the second antenna 202 shows an operating characteristic ofa graph 522. A characteristic change of the second antenna 202 accordingto gripping of the user may be smaller than that of the first antenna201.

A communication circuit in the electronic device 101 may allow frequencybands of the first antenna 201 and the second antenna 202 to beexchanged through switching.

A graph 503 shows a change in radiation efficiency of the first antenna201 according to a direction in which the user grips the electronicdevice 101, in the post-switching state (the state of FIG. 2B). In thegraph 503, before the user grips the electronic device 101, the firstantenna 201 shows an operating characteristic of the graph 530. Thefirst antenna 201 may be designed to transmit and receive a signalincluded in the middle band (e.g., the 1500 MHz band) or the high band(e.g., the 2400 MHz band).

When the user grips the electronic device 101 in a first direction(e.g., the user grips the electronic device 101 with his/her righthand), the first antenna 201 shows an operating characteristic of agraph 531. When the user grips the electronic device 101 in a seconddirection (e.g., the user grips the electronic device 101 with his/herleft hand), the first antenna 201 shows an operating characteristic of agraph 532. A characteristic change according to gripping of the user inthe case where the first antenna 201 transmits and receives a signal ofthe middle band or the high band (graph 503) may be greater than in thecase where the second antenna 202 transmits and receives a signal of themiddle band or the high band (graph 502).

A graph 504 shows a change in radiation efficiency of the second antenna202 according to a direction in which the user grips the electronicdevice 101, in the post-switching state (the state of FIG. 2B). In thegraph 504, before the user grips the electronic device 101, the secondantenna 202 shows an operating characteristic of the graph 540. Thesecond antenna 202 may transmit and receive a frequency signal includedin the low band (e.g., the 800 MHz band) or the middle band (e.g., the1500 MHz band).

When the user grips the electronic device 101 in a first direction(e.g., the user grips the electronic device 101 with his/her righthand), the second antenna 202 shows an operating characteristic of agraph 541. When the user grips the electronic device 101 in a seconddirection (e.g., the user grips the electronic device 101 with his/herleft hand), the second antenna 202 shows an operating characteristic ofa graph 542. A characteristic change according to gripping of the userin the case where the second antenna 202 transmits and receives a signalof the low band (graph 504) may be smaller than in the case where thefirst antenna 201 transmits and receives a signal of the low band (graph501).

The communication circuit of the electronic device 101 may adjust thecorresponding frequency bands in the first antenna 201 and the secondantenna 202 in consideration of influence due to user contact. Forexample, when the radiation performance deteriorates due to user contactwhile the first antenna 201 receives a signal of the high band (graph503), the communication circuit may perform switching such that thesecond antenna 202 transmits and receives a signal of the high band(graph 502), thereby reducing a decrease in radiation performance due tothe user contact.

FIG. 6 illustrates a structure for changing a resonant frequency througha change in a matching value, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, frequency bands of the first antenna 201 and thesecond antenna 202 may be changed (or exchanged) through a change in amatching value at an antenna matching stage. Antenna impedance may bechanged by using a variable element 630 a or 630 b (e.g., a variablecapacitor) connected in parallel with or in series to a fixed matchingelement 620 of each antenna having default matching value. A resonancefrequency of an antenna may be changed on a case by case basis if avariable value or bypass is used. For example, the variable element 630a or 630 b may be implemented with a variable capacitor “C” or avariable inductor “L”.

The variable element 630 a or 630 b may be connected in series to or inparallel with the antenna 201 or 202. In the case of a parallelconnection, the variable element 630 a may be connected between oppositeends of the fixed matching element (or fixed matching circuit) 620, anda value of the variable element 630 a may be adjusted under control of acommunication circuit (radio frequency integrated chip (RFIC) or CP). Ina serial connection, the variable element 630 b may be connected to aninternal terminal of the fixed matching element 620.

FIG. 7 illustrates first and second antennas having the same or similarpatterns, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, a first antenna 701 includes the first conductivepattern 151, the third conductive pattern 153, a first feeding part 710,a first ground part 721, and a second ground part 722. The first antenna701 may transmit and receive a signal of a specified frequency band toand from an external device by using the first conductive pattern 151and the third conductive pattern 153. Each component of the firstantenna 701 may perform a function identical or similar to that of thecorresponding component of the first antenna 201 in FIG. 2A.

The first antenna 701 may operate as an IFA, transmitting and receivinga multi-band signal.

The second antenna 702 includes the second conductive pattern 152, thefourth conductive pattern 154, a second feeding part 715, and a thirdground part 723. The second antenna 702 may transmit and receive asignal of a specified frequency band to and from the external device byusing the second conductive pattern 152 and the fourth conductivepattern 154. The second antenna 702 may differ from the second antenna202 in FIG. 2A in that the third ground part 233 connected to the secondconductive pattern 152 is removed.

The second antenna 702 may operate a monopole antenna to transmit andreceive a multi-band signal or a semi inverted F antenna in which aground is implemented on a board and is connected to a second feedingpart.

FIG. 8 illustrates radiation efficiency of a first antenna and a secondantenna of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first antenna 701 has a radiationcharacteristic according to a graph 810. The first antenna 701 may beconfigured to transmit and receive all signals included in the low band(e.g., the 800 MHz band), the middle band (e.g., the 1500 MHz band), andthe high band (e.g., the 2400 MHz band).

The second antenna 702 has a radiation characteristic according to agraph 820. Like the first antenna 701, the second antenna 702 may beconfigured to transmit and receive all signals included in the low band(e.g., the 800 MHz band), the middle band (e.g., the 1500 MHz band), andthe high band (e.g., the 2400 MHz band).

The first antenna 701 and the second antenna 702 show differentradiation characteristics in some frequency intervals. For example, in a1200 MHz band, the radiation performance of the second antenna 702 ishigher than that of the first antenna 701. In a 2800 MHz band, theradiation performance of the first antenna 701 is higher than that ofthe second antenna 702.

The communication circuit in the electronic device 101 may selectivelyuse an antenna, the radiation performance of which is relatively high ina specific frequency band, through switching, or may implement a wideband antenna by operating the first antenna 701 and the second antenna702 at the same time. Also, it may be possible to solve a mutualinterference issue and to obtain impedance matching and wide-bandeffects by using the first antenna 701 and the second antenna 702.

FIG. 9A illustrates changes in radiation characteristics during usercontact with an electronic device, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9A, when the user grips a lower portion of anelectronic device where the first antenna 701 and the second antenna 702are disposed, an operating characteristic of each antenna may changewith a direction in which the user grips the electronic device.

Graphs 901 and 902 show changes in radiation efficiency of the firstantenna 701 according to a direction in which the user grips theelectronic device. Before the user grips the electronic device, thefirst antenna 701 shows an operating characteristic of a graph 910. Whenthe user grips the electronic device 101 in a first direction (e.g., theuser grips the electronic device 101 with his/her right hand), the firstantenna 701 shows an operating characteristic of a graph 915 a. When theuser grips the electronic device 101 in a second direction (e.g., theuser grips the electronic device 101 with his/her left hand), the firstantenna 701 shows an operating characteristic of a graph 915 b. In graph915 a, a portion (e.g., a palm), which has a relatively large area, of auser's body may make contact with a radiator of the first antenna 701,and thus, a change in a radiation characteristic may be relativelygreat.

Graphs 903 and 904 show changes in radiation efficiency of the secondantenna 702 according to a direction in which the user grips theelectronic device. Before the user grips the electronic device, thesecond antenna 702 shows an operating characteristic of a graph 920.When the user grips the electronic device 101 in the first direction,the second antenna 702 shows an operating characteristic of a graph 925a. When the user grips the electronic device 101 in the seconddirection, the second antenna 702 shows an operating characteristic of agraph 925 b. In graph 925 a, a portion (e.g., a palm), which has arelatively large area, of a user's body may make contact with a radiatorof the second antenna 702, and thus, a change in a radiationcharacteristic may be relatively great. The communication circuit in theelectronic device 101 may selectively use the first antenna 701 and thesecond antenna 702 in consideration of influence due to user contact.For example, when the user grips the electronic device 101 in the firstdirection, the communication circuit may operate the second antenna 702,on which the gripping of the user has a relatively small influence andmay limit an operation of the first antenna 701. As another example,when the user grips the electronic device 101 in the second direction,the communication circuit may operate the first antenna 701, on whichthe gripping of the user has a relatively small influence and may limitan operation of the second antenna 702.

FIG. 9B illustrates coverage changes due to simultaneous operation ofthe first and second antennas according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9B, when simultaneously operating the first antenna201/701 and the second antenna 202/702, a coverage of the correspondingfrequency band signal may be expanded.

For a first band (e.g., the low band), the first antenna 201/701 mayreceive a frequency signal of a first range 951, and the second antenna202/702 may transmit and receive a frequency signal of a second range952. The electronic device 101 may receive a third range 953corresponding to a sum of the first range 951 and the second range 952in the first band. A coverage of the third range 953 may be greater thana coverage of each of the first range 951 and the second range 952.

For a second band (e.g., the middle band), the first antenna 201/701 mayreceive a frequency signal of a first range 961, and the second antenna202/702 may transmit and receive a frequency signal of a second range962. The electronic device 101 may receive a third range 963corresponding to a sum of the first range 961 and the second range 962in the second band. A coverage of the third range 963 may be greaterthan a coverage of each of the first range 961 and the second range 962.

The first antenna 201/701 and the second antenna 202/702 may mutuallycomplement beam patterns biased in one direction, thereby securing awide coverage. Accordingly, it may be possible to distribute a hot spotbeing a point through which signals are transmitted and received oftenand to prevent a temperature from increasing at a specific portion of aradiator. Also, it may be possible to reduce the SAR influencing theuser.

FIG. 10 illustrates a first antenna and a second antenna beingcontrolled using a switching structure, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, an electronic device 1001 includes the firstantenna 201, the second antenna 202, a CP 1010, a first communicationcircuit (e.g., RFIG) 1020, a second communication circuit (e.g., RFIC)1025, and a switching structure 1030. An electronic device 1002 includesthe first antenna 701, the second antenna 702, the CP 1010, the firstcommunication circuit 1020, the second communication circuit 1025, andthe switching structure 1030.

The communication processor 1010 is connected to the first communicationcircuit 1020 and the second communication circuit 1025 and transmits acontrol signal.

The first communication circuit 1020 and the second communicationcircuit 1025 may be connected to a feeding part of the first antenna 201or a feeding part of the second antenna 202 through the switchingstructure 1030. That is, the switching structure 1030 may connect one ofthe first communication circuit 1020 and the second communicationcircuit 1025 to the feeding part of the first antenna 201 and mayconnect the other thereof to the feeding part of the second antenna 202.

The communication processor 1010 may control the switching structure1030 to exchange bands of signals transmitted and received through thefirst antenna 201 and the second antenna 202. For example, the firstcommunication circuit 1020 may process a signal of the low band or themiddle band, and the second communication circuit 1025 may process asignal of the middle band or the high band. When the feeding part of thefirst antenna 201 is connected to the first communication circuit 1020and the feeding part of the second antenna 202 is connected to thesecond communication circuit 1025, the communication processor 1010 maycontrol the switching structure 1030 such that the feeding part of thefirst antenna 201 is connected to the second communication circuit 1025and the feeding part of the second antenna 202 is connected to the firstcommunication circuit 1020

For example, the communication processor 1010 may control the switchingstructure 1030 to use the first antenna 201 and/or the second antenna202 based on peripheral communication conditions of the electronicdevice 1001/1002, a frequency band of a transmit/receive signal, whethera user makes contact with the electronic device 1001/1002, and/or thecommunication performance of each antenna.

FIG. 11 illustrates a shape in which a plurality of multi-bandfrequencies are implemented in a first direction and a second directionof an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, an electronic device 1101 includes the firstantenna 201, the second antenna 202, a third antenna 203, a fourthantenna 204, a CP 1110, first to fourth communication circuits 1121 to1124, and first and second switching structures 1130 and 1135. The firstantenna 201 and the second antenna 202 may be formed in a firstdirection (a direction of a lower end of a side surface of theelectronic device 1101), and the third antenna 203 and the fourthantenna 204 may be formed in a second direction (a direction of an upperend of the side surface of the electronic device 1101) opposite to thefirst direction.

An electronic device 1102 includes the first antenna 701, the secondantenna 702, a third antenna 703, a fourth antenna 704, the CP 1110, thefirst to fourth communication circuits 1121 to 1124, and the first andsecond switching structures 1130 and 1135. The first antenna 701 and thesecond antenna 702 may be formed in the first direction, and the thirdantenna 703 and the fourth antenna 704 may be formed in the seconddirection opposite to the first direction.

For example, the communication processor 1110 may control the first andsecond switching structures 1130 and 1135 to use all or part of thefirst to fourth antennas 201 to 204 and 701 to 704 based on: aperipheral communication conditions of the electronic device 1101/1102,a frequency band of a transmit/receive signal, whether a user makescontact with the electronic device 1001/1002, and the communicationperformance of each antenna.

FIG. 12 illustrates an electronic device in a network environmentaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic device 1201 includes a bus 1210, aprocessor 1220, a memory 1230, an input/output interface 1250, a display1260, and a communication interface 1270. Alternatively, at least one ofthe foregoing elements may be omitted and/or another element may beadded to the electronic device 1201.

The bus 1210 may include a circuit for connecting the above-mentionedelements 1210 to 1270 to each other and transferring communications(e.g., control messages and/or data) among the other elements.

The processor 1220 may include at least one of a CPU, an AP, or a CR Theprocessor 1220 may perform data processing or an operation related tocommunication and/or control of at least one of the other elements ofthe electronic device 1201.

The memory 1230 may include a volatile memory and/or a nonvolatilememory. The memory 1230 may store instructions or data related to atleast one of the other elements of the electronic device 1201. Thememory 1230 stores software and/or a program 1240. The program 1240includes a kernel 1241, a middleware 1243, an application programminginterface (API) 1245, and an application program (or an application)1247. At least a portion of the kernel 1241, the middleware 1243, or theAPI 1245 may be referred to as an operating system (OS).

The kernel 1241 may control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus1210, the processor 1220, the memory 1230, etc.) used to performoperations or functions of other programs (e.g., the middleware 1243,the API 1245, or the application program 1247). Further, the kernel 1241may provide an interface for the middleware 1243, the API 1245, or theapplication program 1247 to access individual elements of the electronicdevice 1201, in order to control or manage the system resources.

The middleware 1243 may serve as an intermediary for the API 1245 or theapplication program 1247 to communicate and exchange data with thekernel 1241.

Further, the middleware 1243 may handle one or more task requestsreceived from the application program 1247 according to a priorityorder. For example, the middleware 1243 may assign the applicationprogram 1247 a priority for using the system resources (e.g., the bus1210, the processor 1220, the memory 1230, etc.) of the electronicdevice 1201. The middleware 1243 may handle the one or more taskrequests according to the priority assigned to the at least oneapplication, thereby performing scheduling or load balancing withrespect to the one or more task requests.

The API 1245, which is an interface for allowing the application 1247 tocontrol a function provided by the kernel 1241 or the middleware 1243,may include at least one interface or function (e.g., instructions) forfile control, window control, image processing, character control, etc.

The input/output interface 1250 may transfer an instruction or datainput from a user or another external device to (an)other element(s) ofthe electronic device 1201. Further, the input/output interface 1250 mayoutput instructions or data received from (an)other element(s) of theelectronic device 1201 to the user or another external device.

The display 1260 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), alight-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode(OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, and/oran electronic paper display. The display 1260 may present variouscontent (e.g., a text, an image, a video, an icon, a symbol, etc.) tothe user. The display 1260 may also include a touch screen, whichreceives a touch, gesture, proximity, and/or hovering input from anelectronic pen or a part of a body of the user.

The communication interface 1270 may set communications between theelectronic device 1201 and a first external electronic device 1202, asecond external electronic device 1204, and/or a server 1206. Forexample, the communication interface 1270 may be connected to a network1262 via wireless communications or wired communications in order tocommunicate with the second external electronic device 1204 or theserver 1206.

The wireless communications may utilize at least one of cellularcommunication protocols, such as long-term evolution (LTE), LTE-advance(LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA),universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless broadband(WiBro), or global system for mobile communications (GSM). The wirelesscommunications also include a short-range communications 1264, such asWi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, magnetic stripe transmission (MST), and/or GNSS.

The MST may generate pulses according to transmission data and thepulses may generate electromagnetic signals. The electronic device 1201may transmit the electromagnetic signals to a reader device, such as aPOS device. The POS device may detect the magnetic signals by using anMST reader and restore data by converting the detected electromagneticsignals into electrical signals.

The GNSS may include at least one of global positioning system (GPS),global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), BeiDou navigationsatellite system (BeiDou), or Galileo, the European globalsatellite-based navigation system according to a use area or abandwidth. Hereinafter, the term “GPS” and the term “GNSS” may beinterchangeably used.

The wired communications may include at least one of universal serialbus (USB), high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), recommendedstandard 232 (RS-232), and plain old telephone service (POTS). Thenetwork 1262 may include a telecommunications network, such as acomputer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN)), the Internet, or a telephone network.

The types of the first external electronic device 1202 and the secondexternal electronic device 1204 may be the same as or different from thetype of the electronic device 1201.

The server 1206 may include a group of one or more servers.

A portion or all of operations performed in the electronic device 1201may be performed in the first electronic device 1202, the secondexternal electronic device 1204, and/or the server 1206. For example,when the electronic device 1201 should perform a certain function orservice, the electronic device 1201 may request at least a portion ofthe functions related to the function or service from the firstelectronic device 1202, the second external electronic device 1204,and/or the server 1206, instead of or in addition to performing thefunction or service for itself. The first electronic device 1202, thesecond external electronic device 1204, and/or the server 1206 mayperform the requested function or additional function, and may transfera result of the performance to the electronic device 1201. Theelectronic device 1201 may use a received result itself or additionallyprocess the received result to provide the requested function orservice. To this end, a cloud computing technology, a distributedcomputing technology, or a client-server computing technology may beused.

FIG. 13 illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, the electronic device 1301 includes a processor(e.g., an AP) 1310, a communication module 1320, a subscriberidentification module (SIM) card 1324, a memory 1330, a sensor module1340, an input device 1350, a display 1360, an interface 1370, an audiomodule 1380, a camera module 1391, a power management module 1395, abattery 1396, an indicator 1397, and a motor 1398.

The processor 1310 may run an OS or an application program to control aplurality of hardware or software elements connected to the processor1310, and may process various data and perform various operations. Theprocessor 1310 may be implemented with a system on chip (SoC). Theprocessor 1310 may further include a graphic processing unit (GPU)and/or an image signal processor. The processor 1310 may include atleast a portion (e.g., a cellular module 1321) of the elementsillustrated in FIG. 13. The processor 1310 may load, on a volatilememory, an instruction or data received from at least one of otherelements (e.g., a nonvolatile memory) to process the instruction ordata, and may store various data in a nonvolatile memory.

The communication module 1320 includes the cellular module 1321, a Wi-Fimodule 1323, a Bluetooth (BT) module 1325, a GNSS module 1327 (e.g., aGPS module, a GLONASS module, a BeiDou module, or a Galileo module), anNFC module 1328, and a radio frequency (RF) module 1329.

The cellular module 1321 may provide a voice call service, a video callservice, a text message service, and/or an Internet service through acommunication network. The cellular module 1321 may identify andauthenticate the electronic device 1301 in the communication networkusing the SIM card 1324. The cellular module 1321 may perform at least apart of functions that may be provided by the processor 1310. Thecellular module 1321 may include a CP.

Each of the Wi-Fi module 1323, the Bluetooth module 1325, the GNSSmodule 1327 and the NFC module 1328 may include a processor forprocessing data transmitted/received through the modules. At least apart (e.g., two or more) of the cellular module 1321, the Wi-Fi module1323, the Bluetooth module 1325, the GNSS module 1327, and the NFCmodule 1328 may be included in a single integrated chip (IC) or ICpackage.

The RF module 1329 may transmit/receive communication signals (e.g., RFsignals). The RF module 1329 may include a transceiver, a power ampmodule (PAM), a frequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), anantenna, etc. At least one of the cellular module 1321, the Wi-Fi module1323, the Bluetooth module 1325, the GNSS module 1327, or the NFC module1328 may transmit/receive RF signals through a separate RF module.

The SIM card 1324 may include an embedded SIM card and/or a cardcontaining the SIM, and may include unique identification information(e.g., an integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriberinformation (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The memory 1330 includes an internal memory 1332 and an external memory1334. The internal memory 1332 may include at least one of a volatilememory (e.g., a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronousdynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.), a nonvolatile memory (e.g., a one-timeprogrammable ROM (OTPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable andprogrammable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM(EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory (e.g., a NAND flashmemory, a NOR flash memory, etc.)), a hard drive, or a solid state drive(SSD).

The external memory 1334 may include a flash drive such as a compactflash (CF), a secure digital (SD), a Micro-SD, a Mini-SD, an extremedigital (xD), a MultiMediaCard (MMC), a memory stick, etc. The externalmemory 1334 may be operatively and/or physically connected to theelectronic device 1301 through various interfaces.

The sensor module 1340 may measure physical quantity or detect anoperation state of the electronic device 1301 in order to convertmeasured or detected information into an electrical signal. The sensormodule 1340 includes a gesture sensor 1340A, a gyro sensor 1340B, anatmospheric pressure sensor 1340C, a magnetic sensor 1340D, anacceleration sensor 1340E, a grip sensor 1340F, a proximity sensor1340G, a color sensor 1340H (e.g., a red/green/blue (RGB) sensor), abiometric (bio) sensor 1340I, a temperature/humidity sensor 1340J, anillumination sensor 1340K, and an ultraviolet (UV) sensor 1340M.

Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module 1340 may include anolfactory sensor (E-nose sensor), an electromyography (EMG) sensor, anelectroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, aninfrared (IR) sensor, an iris recognition sensor, and/or a fingerprintsensor.

The sensor module 1340 may further include a control circuit forcontrolling at least one sensor included therein. The electronic device1301 may further include a processor configured to control the sensormodule 1340 as a part of the processor 1310 or separately, so that thesensor module 1340 is controlled while the processor 1310 is in a sleepstate.

The input device 1350 includes a touch panel 1352, a (digital) pensensor 1354, a key 1356, and an ultrasonic input device 1358. The touchpanel 1352 may employ at least one of capacitive, resistive, infrared,and ultraviolet sensing methods. The touch panel 1352 may furtherinclude a control circuit. The touch panel 1352 may further include atactile layer that provides haptic feedback to a user.

The (digital) pen sensor 1354 may include a sheet for recognition, whichis a part of a touch panel or is separate.

The key 1356 may include a physical button, an optical button, and/or akeypad.

The ultrasonic input device 1358 may sense ultrasonic waves generated byan input tool through a microphone 1388 in order to identify datacorresponding to the ultrasonic waves sensed.

The display 1360 includes a panel 1362, a hologram device 1364, and aprojector 1366. The panel 1362 may be flexible, transparent, and/orwearable. The panel 1362 and the touch panel 1352 may be integrated intoa single module.

The hologram device 1364 may display a stereoscopic image in a spaceusing a light interference phenomenon.

The projector 1366 may project light onto a screen in order to displayan image. The screen may be disposed in the inside or the outside of theelectronic device 1301.

The display 1360 may also include a control circuit for controlling thepanel 1362, the hologram device 1364, and/or the projector 1366.

The interface 1370 includes an HDMI 1372, a USB 1374, an opticalinterface 1376, and a D-subminiature (D-sub) 1378.

Additionally or alternatively, the interface 1370 may include, a mobilehigh-definition link (MHL) interface, an SD card/multi-media card (MMC)interface, and/or an infrared data association (IrDA) interface.

The audio module 1380 may convert a sound into an electrical signal orvice versa. The audio module 1380 may process sound information input oroutput through a speaker 1382, a receiver 1384, an earphone 1386, and/orthe microphone 1388.

The camera module 1391 shoots a still image and/or a video. The cameramodule 1391 may include at least one image sensor (e.g., a front sensoror a rear sensor), a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), and/or aflash (e.g., an LED or a xenon lamp).

The power management module 1395 may manage power of the electronicdevice 1301. The power management module 1395 may include a powermanagement integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger integrated circuit (IC),and/or a battery gauge.

The PMIC may employ a wired and/or wireless charging method. Thewireless charging method may include a magnetic resonance method, amagnetic induction method, an electromagnetic method, etc. An additionalcircuit for wireless charging, such as a coil loop, a resonant circuit,a rectifier, etc., may be further included.

The battery gauge may measure a remaining capacity of the battery 1396and a voltage, current, and/or temperature thereof while the battery ischarged.

The battery 1396 may include a rechargeable battery and/or a solarbattery.

The indicator 1397 may display a specific state of the electronic device1301 or a part thereof (e.g., the processor 1310), such as a bootingstate, a message state, a charging state, etc.

The motor 1398 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanicalvibration, and may generate a vibration or haptic effect.

Although not illustrated, a processing device (e.g., a GPU) forsupporting a mobile TV may be included in the electronic device 1301.The processing device for supporting a mobile TV may process media dataaccording to the standards of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB),digital video broadcasting (DVB), MediaFLO™, etc.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes a housingsurrounding the electronic device, a conductive member forming at leasta part of the housing, first to third nonconductive members separatingthe conductive member, a plurality of feeding parts and a plurality ofground parts connected to the conductive member, and a communicationcircuit electrically connected with the conductive member, wherein theconductive member includes a first conductive pattern disposed betweenthe first nonconductive member and the second nonconductive member and asecond conductive pattern disposed between the second nonconductivemember and the third nonconductive member, wherein a first feeding partof the plurality of feeding parts is connected to the first conductivepattern and a second feeding part of the plurality of feeding parts isconnected to the second conductive pattern, and wherein a first groundpart of the plurality of ground parts is connected to the firstconductive pattern at a point adjacent to the second nonconductivemember.

The first nonconductive member is disposed to face a first direction,wherein the third nonconductive member is disposed to face a seconddirection opposite to the first direction, and wherein the secondnonconductive member is disposed to face a third direction perpendicularto the first direction or the second direction.

A distance between the first nonconductive member and the secondnonconductive member is substantially the same as a distance between thethird nonconductive member and the second nonconductive member.

The conductive member is separated into the first conductive pattern anda third conductive pattern with respect to the first nonconductivemember, and a second ground part of the plurality of ground parts isconnected to the third conductive pattern.

The second ground part is adjacent to the first nonconductive member andis connected to the third conductive pattern.

The conductive member is separated into the second conductive patternand a fourth conductive pattern with respect to the third nonconductivemember, wherein a third ground part of the plurality of ground parts isconnected to the second conductive pattern, and wherein a fourth groundpart of the plurality of ground parts is connected to the fourthconductive pattern.

The third ground part is adjacent to the third nonconductive member andis connected to the second conductive pattern, and the fourth groundpart is adjacent to the third nonconductive member and is connected tothe fourth conductive pattern.

The communication circuit includes a first communication circuit and asecond communication circuit, wherein the first feeding part isconnected to one of the first communication circuit and the secondcommunication circuit through switching, and wherein the second feedingpart is connected to the other of the first communication circuit andthe second communication circuit through switching.

The first communication circuit and the second communication circuit areimplemented with one chip or an integrated circuit.

The first conductive pattern and the first feeding part constitute afirst antenna transmitting and receiving a multi-band frequency signal,and the second conductive pattern and the second feeding part constitutea second antenna transmitting and receiving a multi-band frequencysignal.

The first antenna transmits and receives a signal of a first frequencyband, and the second antenna transmits and receives a signal of a secondfrequency band, at least a part of which is common to the firstfrequency band.

The first antenna transmits and receives a signal of the secondfrequency band by switching, and the second antenna transmits andreceives a signal of the first frequency band.

The first antenna operates as an IFA, and the second antenna operates asa loop antenna.

The first antenna operates as an IFA, and the second antenna operates asemi-inverted F antenna.

The first ground part is connected to the first conductive patternwithin a first distance range from the second nonconductive member.

The electronic device further includes fourth to sixth nonconductivemembers separating the conductive member, wherein the conductive memberincludes a third conductive pattern disposed between the thirdnonconductive member and the fourth nonconductive member, a fourthconductive pattern disposed between the fourth nonconductive member andthe fifth nonconductive member, a fifth conductive pattern disposedbetween the fifth nonconductive member and the sixth nonconductivemember, and a sixth conductive pattern disposed between the sixthnonconductive member and the first nonconductive member, wherein a thirdfeeding part of the plurality of feeding parts is connected to thefourth conductive pattern and a fourth feeding part of the plurality offeeding parts is connected to the fifth conductive pattern, and whereina second ground part of the plurality of ground parts is connected tothe fourth conductive pattern at a point adjacent to the fifthnonconductive member.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes a display, ahousing including a first surface including the display, a secondsurface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface disposedbetween the first surface and the second surface and a firstcommunication circuit and a second communication circuit, wherein theside surface includes a first conductive pattern, a second conductivepattern, a first nonconductive member, a second nonconductive member,and a third nonconductive member, wherein the first conductive patternis disposed between the first nonconductive member and the secondnonconductive member, wherein the second conductive pattern is disposedbetween the second nonconductive member and the third nonconductivemember, wherein the first conductive pattern is connected to the firstcommunication circuit through a first feeding part, wherein the secondconductive pattern is connected to the second communication circuitthrough a second feeding part, and wherein the second conductive patternis connected with a ground part at a point spaced apart from the secondnonconductive member by a preset distance for isolation of the firstconductive pattern.

The first conductive pattern and the first feeding part constitute afirst antenna transmitting and receiving a multi-band frequency signal,and the second conductive pattern and the second feeding part constitutea second antenna transmitting and receiving a multi-band frequencysignal.

The first antenna transmits and receives a signal of a first frequencyband, and the second antenna transmits and receives a signal of a secondfrequency band, at least a part of which is common to the firstfrequency band.

The first antenna transmits and receives a signal of the secondfrequency band by switching, and the second antenna transmits andreceives a signal of the first frequency band.

Each of the elements described herein may be configured with one or morecomponents, and the names of the elements may be changed according tothe type of an electronic device. In accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, an electronic device may include at least one ofthe elements described herein, and some elements may be omitted or otheradditional elements may be added. Further, some of the elements of theelectronic device may be combined with each other so as to form oneentity, so that the functions of the elements may be performed in thesame manner as before the combination.

Herein, the term “module” may represent, for example, a unit includingone of hardware, software and firmware or a combination thereof. Theterm “module” may be interchangeably used with the terms “unit”,“logic”, “logical block”, “component” and “circuit”. A “module” may be aminimum unit of an integrated component or may be a part thereof. A“module” may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or apart thereof. A “module” may be implemented mechanically orelectronically. For example, a “module” may include at least one of anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, afield-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable-logic devicefor performing some operations, which are known or will be developed.

At least a part of devices (e.g., modules or functions thereof) ormethods (e.g., operations) according to the above-described embodimentsof the present disclosure may be implemented as instructions stored in acomputer-readable storage medium in the form of a program module. Whenthe instructions are performed by a processor (e.g., the processor1220), the processor may perform functions corresponding to theinstructions. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example,the memory 1230.

A computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppydisk, a magnetic medium (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical medium(e.g., CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD)), a magneto-optical medium(e.g., a floptical disk), or a hardware device (e.g., a ROM, a RAM, aflash memory, etc.). The program instructions may include machinelanguage codes generated by compilers and high-level language codes thatcan be executed by computers using interpreters. The above-mentionedhardware device may be configured to be operated as one or more softwaremodules for performing operations of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure and vice versa.

A module or a program module according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may include at least one of the above-described elements, orsome elements may be omitted or other additional elements may be added.Operations performed by the module, the program module or other elementsaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure may beperformed in a sequential, parallel, iterative, or heuristic way.Further, some operations may be performed in another order or may beomitted, or other operations may be added.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with referenceto certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined bythe appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a housing; aconductive member forming at least a part of the housing; first to thirdnonconductive members separating the conductive member, wherein theconductive member includes a first conductive pattern disposed betweenthe first nonconductive member and the second nonconductive member, anda second conductive pattern disposed between the second nonconductivemember and the third nonconductive member; a first feeding partconnected to the first conductive pattern; a second feeding partconnected to the second conductive pattern; a first ground partconnected to the first conductive pattern at a point adjacent to thesecond nonconductive member; and a communication circuit electricallyconnected with the conductive member.
 2. The electronic device of claim1, wherein the first nonconductive member faces a first direction,wherein the third nonconductive member faces a second direction, whichis opposite to the first direction, and wherein the second nonconductivemember faces a third direction, which is perpendicular to the firstdirection or the second direction.
 3. The electronic device of claim 2,wherein a distance between the first nonconductive member and the secondnonconductive member is substantially the same as a distance between thethird nonconductive member and the second nonconductive member.
 4. Theelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising a second ground part,wherein the conductive member is separated into the first conductivepattern and a third conductive pattern with respect to the firstnonconductive member, and wherein the second ground part is connected tothe third conductive pattern.
 5. The electronic device of claim 4,wherein the second ground part is adjacent to the first nonconductivemember and is connected to the third conductive pattern.
 6. Theelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a third ground part;and a fourth ground part, wherein the conductive member is separatedinto the second conductive pattern and a fourth conductive pattern withrespect to the third nonconductive member, wherein the third ground partis connected to the second conductive pattern, and wherein the fourthground part is connected to the fourth conductive pattern.
 7. Theelectronic device of claim 6, wherein the third ground part is adjacentto the third nonconductive member and is connected to the secondconductive pattern, and wherein the fourth ground part is adjacent tothe third nonconductive member and is connected to the fourth conductivepattern.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the communicationcircuit comprises: a first communication circuit; and a secondcommunication circuit, wherein the first feeding part is connected toone of the first communication circuit and the second communicationcircuit through switching, and wherein the second feeding part isconnected to the other of the first communication circuit and the secondcommunication circuit through switching.
 9. The electronic device ofclaim 8, further comprising one chip or an integrated circuit includingthe first communication circuit and the second communication circuit.10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first conductivepattern and the first feeding part operate as a first antennatransmitting and receiving a multi-band frequency signal, and whereinthe second conductive pattern and the second feeding part operate as asecond antenna transmitting and receiving a multi-band frequency signal.11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the first antennatransmits and receives signal through a first frequency band, andwherein the second antenna transmits and receives signal through asecond frequency band, at least a part of the second frequency band iscommon to the first frequency band.
 12. The electronic device of claim11, wherein the first antenna transmits and receives signal through thesecond frequency band by switching, and wherein the second antennatransmits and receives signal through the first frequency band.
 13. Theelectronic device of claim 11, wherein the first antenna comprises aninverted F antenna (IFA), and wherein the second antenna comprises aloop antenna.
 14. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the firstantenna comprises an inverted F antenna (IFA), and wherein the secondantenna comprises a semi-inverted F antenna.
 15. The electronic deviceof claim 1, wherein the first ground part is connected to the firstconductive pattern within a first distance range from the secondnonconductive member.
 16. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second ground part; a third feeding part; a fourth feedingpart; and fourth to sixth nonconductive members separating theconductive member, wherein the conductive member further includes athird conductive pattern disposed between the third nonconductive memberand the fourth nonconductive member, a fourth conductive patterndisposed between the fourth nonconductive member and the fifthnonconductive member, a fifth conductive pattern disposed between thefifth nonconductive member and the sixth nonconductive member, and asixth conductive pattern disposed between the sixth nonconductive memberand the first nonconductive member, wherein the third feeding part isconnected to the fourth conductive pattern and the fourth feeding partis connected to the fifth conductive pattern, and wherein the secondground part is connected to the fourth conductive pattern at a pointadjacent to the fifth nonconductive member.
 17. An electronic device,comprising: a display; a housing including a first surface including thedisplay, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a sidesurface disposed between the first surface and the second surface; afirst communication circuit; and a second communication circuit, whereinthe side surface includes a first conductive pattern, a secondconductive pattern, a first nonconductive member, a second nonconductivemember, and a third nonconductive member, wherein the first conductivepattern is disposed between the first nonconductive member and thesecond nonconductive member, wherein the second conductive pattern isdisposed between the second nonconductive member and the thirdnonconductive member, wherein the first conductive pattern is connectedto the first communication circuit through a first feeding part, whereinthe second conductive pattern is connected to the second communicationcircuit through a second feeding part, and wherein the second conductivepattern is connected with a ground part at a point spaced apart from thesecond nonconductive member by a preset distance for isolation of thefirst conductive pattern.
 18. The electronic device of claim 17, whereinthe first conductive pattern and the first feeding part operate as afirst antenna transmitting and receiving a multi-band frequency signal,and wherein the second conductive pattern and the second feeding partoperate as a second antenna transmitting and receiving a multi-bandfrequency signal.
 19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein thefirst antenna transmits and receives signal through a first frequencyband, and wherein the second antenna transmits and receives signalthrough a second frequency band, at least a part of the second frequencyband is common to the first frequency band.
 20. The electronic device ofclaim 19, wherein the first antenna transmits and receives signalthrough the second frequency band by switching, and wherein the secondantenna transmits and receives signal through the first frequency band.